Monthly Archives: April 2014

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Anyone who’s paid attention to his recent output knows that Willie Nile is currently in the midst of a creative renaissance that’s produced some of the most compelling music of his 35-year career. The tradition continues with his forthcoming American Ride, is being released on Loud and Proud Records, where Nile becomes the first artist released under the label’s new deal with RED Distribution. ‘It’s pretty rockin’ over all, but there are some left turns and right turns along the way,’ Nile says of the album, which was fan-funded through Pledgemusic.com. ‘There are songs about the rights of man, songs about freedom, songs about love and hate, songs about loss, songs about God and the absence of God, and songs about standing up for your fellow man. It’s upbeat and full of life. I’m thrilled with how it came out.’ Willie Nile’s fans include Bruce Springsteen, with whom he’s guested onstage on multiple occasions, and Pete Townshend, who personally requested him as the opening act on the Who’s 1982 U.S. tour. Other avowed Nile admirers include Bono, Lou Reed, Paul Simon, Ian Hunter, Graham Parker, Jim Jarmusch, Adam Duritz, Little Steven and Lucinda Williams, who once remarked, ‘Willie Nile is a great artist. If there was any justice in this world, I’d be opening up for him instead of him for me.’

Two triple threats (singers, songwriters, multi instrumentalists) for one great evening of music. They are touring in support of their fantastic new record ‘Memories & Moments.’ Memories & Moments is the second studio album from highly regarded writer/singer/multi-instrumentalists Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott, released on their newly formed Full Skies imprint, a compound of O’Brien’s Howdy Skies and Scott’s Full Light labels. Comprising of five songs apiece from O’Brien and Scott plus one memorable collaboration in their timely ‘Turn Your Dirty Lights On,’ along with a pair of chestnuts from Hank Williams and George Jones and a spirited rendition of the John Prine classic ‘Paradise,’ with its author guesting on guitar and vocals, Memories & Moments is a face-to-face record by design. ‘Our strength is playing in the moment,’ says Scott, ‘so if you record that way, with us across from each other, leaking into each other’s mics, there’s an immediacy to it that translates to the listener. That’s our hope, anyway.’ ‘We wanted to keep that intimate feeling,’ O’Brien adds. ‘It’s rare that you can play with somebody who can respond and magnify like Darrell does. So except for the one track, this record is just the two of us reacting to one another, and it’s a pretty good game of Ping-Pong. This will be one very special evening of music.

Simon Townshend delivers his uniquely personal, yet universally relatable songs with an intense emotional commitment that allows him to forge an instant connection with his audience. Whether he’s playing solo acoustic or with his band, Simon’s enthusiasm and passion for performing and sharing his music is undeniable. ‘There’s a certain nakedness. When you’re just standing on a stage with a guitar, it comes down to the bare bones. If the songs are strong, people really like it. It’s something that I love doing. In February 2014, Simon Townshend’s album DENIAL, his most personal and affecting work to date, will be released on his own STIR Music label. Many of the tracks on DENIAL were inspired by events surrounding his family: some joyful, some difficult, some tragic. ‘I couldn’t help writing. It was inspirational and, for me, the best medicine is writing because it heals me.’ Simon is currently busier than ever, receiving rave reviews for his work as guitarist and vocalist on The Who’s 2012/2013 Quadrophenia and More Tour. When not performing with The Who, he’s committed to an extensive solo touring schedule, highlighted by multiple sellout shows at Joe’s Pub in New York City and attaining the opening spot on Heart’s 2013 Canadian ‘Fanatic’ tour and Big Country’s 2013 UK ‘The Journey Tour.’ Most recently, at the invitation of both Jimmy and The Roots, Simon had a blast sitting in with the band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Sept 11, 2013.